Used rocket launcher left for trash pickup causes Kingwood scare

A military-style rocket launcher left on the curb for trash pickup Thursday spooked some Kingwood residents and trash collectors, according to The Humble Observer.

"I was pretty sure it was real when the garbage people wouldn't pick it up and said they weren't messing with it," said neighbor James Earl.

Agents with the Houston division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms responded to the 900 block of Marina Dr. around 11 a.m. April 19 and confirmed that the fear-inspiring object was indeed a military guided missile device. Agents quickly determined, however, that the weapon no longer contained any explosive agents and all that remained was the hull.

Sr. Special Agent Arthur Gonzalez said the launcher was dirty and loaded with cobwebs and black widow spider eggs, The Humble Observer said.

While it's not illegal to own or discard a used rocket launcher, it showed poor judgment on the part of the owner, reportedly a Houston Police Department sergeant.

"Maybe it's legal for him to just throw it away but it doesn't make any sense leaving it out in the open like this," Earl said. "I'm sure there's a better way to dispose of this kind of stuff. A kid or teen could pick this thing up and wave it around traffic – you can cause an accident like that. It's just insane. As a police officer, you'd think he'd know better."

Gonzalez said the ATF would report the matter to military officials to make sure the weapon wasn't stolen, The Observer reported.